Manchester United are preparing for the arrival of Erik ten Hag’s successor, Ruben Amorim, who will officially get to work during the mid-month international break.
He’ll be trying to push the Red Devils out of his mind for now, though, as the head coach is currently undergoing his final preparations ahead of Sporting Lisbon’s Champions League clash with Manchester City in Portugal this evening. Amorim will then come head-to-head with Pep Guardiola again on December 15 for his first taste of a Manchester derby at the Etihad.
A trip to face Premier League newbies Ipswich Town awaits him in his first game on November 24 in what you’d expect to be a comfortable win for United, given that their opponents have endured a troubled start to their first top-flight campaign in 22 years. After matchweek 10, they are still yet to claim their first win.
Amorim to be granted welcome fitness boost for Ipswich clash
Amorim is also expected to see his options bolstered by the addition of £52 million man Leny Yoro for the away day. A report from Manchester Evening News today revealed that the youngster ‘will not play’ against PAOK on Thursday or Leicester City on Sunday, meaning he is in line to make his competitive debut when club action resumes after the break.
18-year-old Yoro, who was previously hailed as ‘exceptional’ by Cesar Arzo, sustained a metatarsal fracture in just his second pre-season appearance since making the switch from Lille in July. He successfully underwent surgery to correct the injury, but it did rule him out of action for the opening months of the term.
Elsewhere, long-term absentees Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia are also closing in on their returns, which allows the manager to deploy a natural left-back – something Erik ten Hag was unable to do for the eight months Shaw was unavailable.
The Old Trafford faithful are eagerly anticipating how the squad will shape up under Amorim, who is expected to stay loyal to his favoured 3-4-3 formation.
